Building structure



April 14, 1942.. w. J. M DERMOTT 2,279,873

BUILDING- STRUCTURE Filed Feb. 3, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet l W. J. M DERMOTT BUILDING STRUCTURE s sheets-sheet 3 Filed Feb. 3, 1940 April 14, 194 2.

Mafia 0/ flmw 8 w w u M 3 8 w M 6 r 5 1.1 a 4 a M w 6 M 0 1 I w 7 6 W l 2 O Patented Apr. 14, 1942 William J. McDermott, port Robinson, Ontario, Canada Application February 3, 1940, Serial No. 317,163

. In Canada February 8, 1939 Claims.

This invention relates to a metal frame building structure, particularly adapted for the building of homes and other similar types of small buildings.

The inventioncomprehends the provision of a building structure with a metal frame, in which side frames have vertical spaced tubular columns made from sheet metal with horizontal bars arranged in spaced parallel relation, permanently secured to the opposite edges of said columns to form a rigid side frame structure, while bearing plates are mounted on the upper and lower ends of the columns for supporting the frame at the bottom by means of the bottom plate, and for supporting a floor or roof structure on the top plate. The horizontal bars'provide a furring structure on the inner and outer faces of the frame to support the inner and outer wall surfacing structure. Each side frame is secured to adjacent side frames at the ends through brackets providing a rigid but detachable connection. Filler plate sections extend between the ends of adjacent frames to provide cooperation with the horizontal bars for supporting the insulation and metal lath or mesh.

The window frames are integrally united with the side frame structure above mentioned, and

are constructed of sheet metal of substantially U-shape in cross section. These window frames are arranged for mounting in an opening between a pair of columns in the side frame so that the flanges of the window frame structure will embrace the columns at the sides of the window opening, while the upper and lower portions of the window frame will embrace and be permanently secured to horizontal bars on the inner and outer faces of the frame.

Door frames are formed in the same manner as the window frames, and both are provided with either ribs or rabbets, for mounting the windows and doors in the frame in a convenient manner to close the opening.

The roof structure of'the present invention provides sheet metal roof rafters that extend across the building from side to side and have the ends bearing upon the top plates of the side frames. These roof rafters are formed of a pair of sheet metal channel members having the central portions secured together in spaced parallel relation with suitable spacing members engaged between, while suitable roofing slabs are mounted on top of these rafters with the joints between with the roofing rafter and be anchored thereto.

The invention further-comprehends thorough heat insulation of the building by mounting sheet insulatingmaterial on opposite faces of the horizontal bars'with suitable securing means in the form of clips, or the like, at spaced intervals, which also carry metal mesh or lath on the inner and outer faces of'the frame in spaced relation to the insulating sheets for receiving a plastic wall covering on both the inner and outer faces of the frame structure to complete the wall struc-- ture of the building, By making each :frame in one .unitary section, they can be readily used for the construction of single-story homes or may well be used in the construction of two-story homes.

The columns of the side frames are constructed 1 substantially simultaneous with the forming of the pair of ribs to provide offset marginal edges along the longitudinal edges of the. strip. .Then, the central section of the strip is folded to form another U-shaped rib which causes the. firstmentioned ribs to move into oppositely extending: positions relativeto oneanotherand'brings the opposite edges of the strip into superimposed re;-

lation so theymay be subsequently united to form a rigid tubular column structure.

Inthe drawings:-

- Fig. 1 shows the building frame of this inven tion in assembled relationin-side elevation'with portions broken away for convenience inillu'stration.

Fig. 2 is a vertical cross section taken jongline 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a verticalcross section throughlthe j upper portion of one of the side frames and the adjacent roof structure, taken on line, 3 3 of;

Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 shows the supporting beam for the-ends 1 of the fioor joists that extend across the central portion of the building, in perspective, together with one of the supporting columns for therooff structure and a portion of one of the floor joists? Fig, 5 is an enlarged cross section with'p'ortions broken away, taken on line 5- 5; of Figjl.

Fig. 6 isan enlarged cross section through'a,

corner portion of thebuildingtaken on line slabs to extend through the space between the channel members of each a section as shown in Fig. 11.

surfacing structures added for illustrating a finished wall in cross section.

Fig. '7 is an enlarged vertical cross section.

taken on line '!-1 of Fig. 6.

Figs. 8, 9, 10'and 11 illustrate the progressive I steps in forminga strip of sheet metal to prolel vertical tubular sheet metal columns [4 and a plurality of spaced parallel horizontal bars l mounted on both sides of columns 14 in order to provide furring means on both sides of the frame.

Each sheet metal column I 4 is constructed in a. convenient manner from an elongatedstrip vide one of the tubular columnswith the cross 2 A foundation is provided forthe building in the usual manner, and is indicated at l in Figsil 1 and 2. The upper edge of the foundation is pro I vided with suitableanchor bolts 2 at spaced -intervals that are adapted to anchor the; side the opposite free edges. The strip is then formed by die-stamping or the like to form a longituframes generally indicated by the numeral 3t'o .the foundation.

The upper inner edge of the foundation at 'ep posite sides of; the a building is provided with pockets to receive. the ends of floor joists 4.;

Depending upon the size of the building constructionfthese fioor joists may be c'onstructed so that each joist extends between opposite walls of the building or'a str'ucture may be'provided where the outer end of'a 'floor joist4 is mounted in a'pock'et in the; foundation'while the inner endiscarried-by a cross beam 5 on the'horizontalflange" 6 thereof: "This cross beam" extends at rightjangles to Yjoistsl between opposite sides the foundation; Thiscross beam may also besupported f-intermediate its ends by suitable columns], one'of which is shown in Fig. 2. Cross beamS S-are preferablyT-shaped'in cross section asillustrated'i n Figs; 2 and 4 with horiz'ontal flangesfi at, the bottom to provide sup-w port for the floor joists. --The' floor joists- 4, according-to thisi'nvention, are each constructed of .a pair of channel members 8 formed of sheet metal having central sectio'ns- 9 'formed withv vtherelriy' providing a structure in which flanges ll extend beyond-the edge of central sections 9-,

while; flanges i2" overlidcentral sections 9 in parallel relation. illa'cl i of the channel members 8 composing one: of the joists '4 is formed in 015- 1 positerelation lld'the other; 'asillustrated clearly v in' Fig.4. Centralsections 8; of each channel member 8"formiiig a joist tare-welded together relationgto form a completed joist, asillustrated.

. Flanges ;ll p'rovideachannel structure along I one side of each joist for receiving" a nailing fstrip13-of wood or other suitable material that will normally heat "the topedge of the joist to receive and support the "sub-flooring of the' building. This sub-'fiooring'is nailed tonailing 's'tripl3 '-'in a well known manner. Strip 13 is secured'in the channel between flanges I by A mi s; extending" through flanges '[I I at {spaced pointsintonailing strip:l3"in transverse relation,-

parallel to flanges ID. This retains eachnailing strip l3' permanently secured toeach joist '4-s'o that when theg floor iis nailed to nailing strips l3 it will be rigidly heldinjplace. --I'he endsi'of='each floor joist 4 supported on flanges 6 of crossbea'm 5 maybe secured in positi'on 'against-inovement thereon by welding the 4 end ofth'joiSt tOfiafi eii. r

f-Each side frame 3 "cons'tructed of one inregret ir n-1 a plurality of fabricated metal members comprising a 'pmmm'y 'ofspaced paralof .thfe'buildingand is supported at its ends by .is'oflset as indicated at I9 from of sheet metal in the manner illustrated in Figs. 8 to 1 1 inclusive.

Each sheet metal strip for the construction of acolumn I4 is first cut to proper size while still flat form, as shown in Fig. 8 in cross section.

A plurality of transverse slots I6 are formed in, :two rows in spaced parallel relation about midway between the central portion of the strip and dinall'y extending rib in each side of the strip with the central portion of the rib extended along 'the center line through the transverse slots; as shown in Figs. 9 and 10. These ribs are-formed successively, first, one in one side,

as shown in Fig. 9, and then the'other iii) in the opposite side as shown in Fig. 10 and inl dicatecl by numerals l1 and I8. These ribs are forme'd'as illustrated, so that the side portions of each rib extend in angular relation and are spaced apart with each transverse slot I6 extending around the central portion or apex of the rib, and thereby provide a slot extending transversely of the rib and openingoutwardly through its edge or apex Substantially simultaneously with the formation of ribs l1 and I8, each margin of the strip the adjacent portion of the strip. J The central portion of the strip is then diestamped to form" another similar-rib 20 extending longitudinally thereof. As the stripisbent into U-shape to form ribHZD, ribs I1 and I8 are moved toward one another in suchawaythat they: .-project in opposite directions when the formation of rib.20 is completed. This also brings marginal portions l9 into' superimposed relation so they may be brought together and suitablyf welded, or otherwise permanently se'cured, to form the completed rigid tubular column'structure having the cross section shown or otherwise rigidly. secured together'in assembled in Fig -11.

Horizontal bars l5 are preferably of angleform and are T-shaped incros's-section, as illustrated in-the drawings. 'The cen'tral flange of each of these vT-shaped bars is inserted into corresponding aligned slots 16 iii-horizontal relation in columns 14, When each bar is engagedin slots 16 in the manner illustrated in the drawings, itis then welded to each column, thereby providlnga r Fig.6, for example,.the spaced side portions of each-'riben'gagethe 'ce'ntralfian'g'e of the angle 'bar i'ri sp'acedrelationwhere it passes through the.transverse slot in the rib, so that the column engages each angle'b'ar at a pair of spaced a positions. This structure takes care of twisting "strains in the frame structure and eliminates the outwardly from the opposite ends. These brackets are preferably mounted on the superimposed margins IQ of each column, and for this purpose, these margins are directed outwardly from the end portion of the frame as shown, for example, in Fig. 6. Brackets 2| are of substantial Z- shape, while brackets 22 are of angle form and so arranged that brackets 2| and 22 will have their free ends engaged in overlapping relation,

as shown in Fig. 6, so they may be suitably bolted together to secure the ends of two frames at the corner of a building in assembled relation, to provide a rigid assembled frame structure.

It will be noted in Figs. 1 and 6, that the corner of the building is left open between the frames at either side. After brackets 2| and 22 are bolted together, a filler plate 23 of arcuate form is inserted at the outside corner of the frame and has its opposite edges welded or otherwise suitably secured to the ends of horizontal .bars On the outer face of the side frames 3. Filler plate 23 is provided with'a plurality of struckout tongues 24 adapted to receive and support metal mesh or lath. This filler plate 23 may be of angle form of other suitable shape instead of arcuate in cross section as illustrated in Fig. 6, depending upon the desired type of finish at the corner of the building.

The top and bottom of each frame is provided with upper and lower bearing plates 25 and 26, respectively. Upper bearing plate 25 is formed of a Z-bar having the central portion welded or otherwise permanently attached to the upper ends of all of the columns M of a side frame, the

bar extending from end to end of side frames 3 as illustrated. When the Z-bar 25 forming the upper bearing plate is thus secured to the upper ends of columns M, the edge flanges on the central portion will be arranged so that the outer flange extends upwardly while the inner flange extends downwardly as shown, for example, in Fig. 2.

Lower bearing bar 26 is constructed of a channel bar having its central portion engaged with the lower ends of columns M of a side frame 3 and extending from end to end thereof, the ends of the columns being welded or otherwise secured thereto, The flanges of channel bar 26 extend upwardly on opposite sides of columns M in a manner clearly shown in Fig. 2. Channels 26 are provided with slots 21, Fig. 6, at spaced intervals, arranged to receive bolts 2 in the foundation, so as to position the side frames in desired relation on the foundation. The slots are made of sufficient length to provide for an adjustment of the side frames on the foundation, so that brackets 2| and 22 may be engaged in proper relation for bolting together as illustrated in Fig. 6. After the frames are in position with bolts 2 extending through slots 21, washers and nuts are applied to bolts 2 in the manner shown clearly in Fig. 6 for rigidly securing the side frames to the foundation.

As shown in the drawings, the side frames for each side of the building are constructed of one integral unit. It is within the scope of the invention for some types of houses, where desirable, to make the side frames in more than one unit and have them arranged in end to end relation and bolted together with brackets similar to brackets 2| and 22.

Side frames 3 will beprovided with suitable openings for door and window frames and any other openings that it may be necessary to provide in theside wall of a house or otherbuilding.

These openings will always beformed between a pair of columns I4, in themanner illustrated in the drawings, by omitting the horizontal bars l5 on both the inner and outer sides of the frame between a pair of adjacent columns throughout the area that is to form a window opening, door opening, or the like. The drawings illustrate only window and door openings, but it will be understood that all other openings in the side wall of a building will be treated in the same manner as the window and door openings, and

that the illustration of the window and door opening and framing construction will be typical of any type of opening that is to be provided in a side frame.

Where a window opening is provided in a side frame 3 as shown in Fig. l at 28, it receives a suitable metallic window casing structure 29. This window casing 29 as shown in Figs. 1 and 5, for example, is formed of opposite side and upper and lower sheet metal strips assembled together to form a rectangular frame.

Each of the strips is formed of sheet metal of v U-shape in cross section as shown in Fig. 5 having a central portion 3|] formed intermediate its edges with a longitudinally extending rib 3|, while the side edges of central portion 30 are formed with laterally extending flanges 32 and 33 at the outer and inner edges, respectively, of casing 29. At the free edges of flanges 32 and 33, the window casing strip is formed with inwardly extending flanges 34 and 35 terminating in spaced parallel marginal flanges 36 engaging the outer faces of bars l5, and welded thereto, for permanently mounting the window casing in rigid connection with side frame 3. Each side window casing strip embraces one of the columns I4 as show in Fig. 5, and in being welded to bars l5, adjacent columns I4, along the sides of the window opening, a rigid window casing structure is provided. It will be noted that-flange 34 extends inwardly at an acute angle to flange 32 in order to provide a keying groove between flanges 34 and 36 around the outer face of the window casing, to receive the plastic coating on the outer face of side frame 3, so that it is interlocked with the window casing and side frame by means of this groove. The ends of the upper and lower window casing sections are welded to the ends of the side window casing sections to form the complete rectangular casing as shown in Fig. 1, all of the sections having the same cross sectional structure hereinabove described. The upper and lower Window casing members will have flanges 36 thereof secured to the adjacent horizontal bars l5 which they are adapted to engage when the window casing is properly positioned in side frame 3, as shown.

A window structure is then set into window casing 29 as shown in Figs, 1 and 5, for example, the window structure including a frame 31 of Z-shape in cross section, as shown in Fig. 5, suitably seated on rib 3| extending around the inner portion of the window casing. This frame is welded to rib 3| to provide a unitary joint. The windows are mounted in sash 38 suitably hinged to frame 3'! and adapted to be opened and closed in any manner well known in the art. Conventional window frames and sash, preferably using metal frames, are mounted in window casings 29. Any conventional type of window frame may be mounted in window casings 29 and suitably secured therein in order to mount the window sash in position in the usual manner, the illustration of the window frame 31 and sash 38 being only for the purpose of showing how the frames are arranged in the casing.

As stated-above, the door .structed in a similar manner to the windowcasings.. There is a little variation, however, in the door casing construction illustrated, in that the door casing 39 is formed of sheet metal having side and top sections of substantially U-shape in cross section; Fig. illustrates the cross section of one side of the door casing" 39 and shows the central portion 40 thereof formed with an offset 4| providinga rabbet'to receive the margin of the door. The rabbet is shown as being formed at the inner edge of the door casing so as to receive a door that will open inwardly.

The central section '49 of casing 39 is provided with side flanges 42 terminating in inwardly extending flanges 43 and 44 at the inner and outer free edges of flanges 42, respectively, flange 43 extending inwardly in acute angular relation toward central section 49. The inner edges 7 of flanges 43 and 44- terminate in marginal edge portions 45 to engage the outer faces of bars l5 to which they are welded, or'otherwise permanently secured. An angle member 46 extending vertically at the endsof bars l5 on the outer face of side frame 3 is welded to the ends of bars l5 and to flange 45 on flange 43 of the door casing,

' to assist in providing a rigid mounting and framing structure around the door opening. It will be noted that the door casing members at each side of the door are arranged toembrace adjacent columns M of side frames 3. The bottom of the door opening will be provided with a suitable sill (not shown) which will be put in place afterthe wall structure to be carried by side frames 3 is completed, and after the floor of the building adjacent the door casing is completed. It will be'welded across the bottom ends of the side portions ofdoor casings 39 at the floor level or slightly above. It will be obvious to those skilled in mean how this doorsill may be placed in position and it will also be obvious that any.

type of door sill construction maybe built into the bottom of the door openings in completing thebuilding structure.

With the present side frame construction,- there may be instances where a door and window opening will be adjacentto one another and for the purpose of showing how the casings will be constructed in such a case, Figs, 1 and 5 illustrate a construction of this character. As shown inl 'ig. 5 the windowcasing will have flanges a4, 35 and 36 together with a portion of flanges 32 and 33 omitted where the free edges of the window casing abut the adjacent portion of the side portion of door casing 39. i In this construction the free edges of flanges 32 and 33 that abut flanges 42 of the door casing will be welded along the edges to the door casing to provide a rigid unitary structure. Flanges 43- and 46 around the outside ofthe door casing are formed toprovide the keying groove for the outer wall surfacing material, the saine as the window casing, as can be understood from the illustration in Fig. 5. I A

These side frames with. the window casings, door casings, window frames, sash, etc., are all adapted to be constructed in a shop by placing all of these members in a suitable jig or other supporting structure to'hold them in proper position'in assembled relation while they are being welded into the rigid frame unit disclosed. They may" then be transported fr'om the shop and mounted in assembled-relation on the foundation casings are confoundation and anchored thereto and secured to eachother in the manner above described, top

plates are then ready to receive the upper drawings.

I the bolts securing members 52 together.

floor or roof structure for the building.

In case an upper floor structure .is provided for a two story building, the same floor joists will be used as described above and shown in the These floor joists will have the ends mounted on'the upper faces of upper bearing plates 25 and suitably welded thereto, or otherwise suitably secured in position. Since this mounting offloor beams on bearing plates 25 will be obvious to one skilled in the art from the above description, the drawings have omitted such an illustration and instead, show the roof structure for the building which is also mounted on upper bearing plates 25 of side frames 3.

The roof structure will comprise a plurality of roof rafters generally designated 41 arranged in spaced parallel relation and extending across thebuilding fromone side to the other, having opposite ends engaged on the top faces of top bearing plates 25. As shown in Fig, 1, roof rafters 41 are so constructed that the central rafter will have a .vertical dimension greater than the next adjacent rafters and so on to the outer edges of the building. This will provide the necessary pitch to the roof in order for moisture to run off to the sides. These roof rafters may be reinforced across the {central portion of the building by an I-beam .48 where desired or necessary, the I-beam being supported by tubular columns 49 similar to columns l4 intermediate its ends. Each column 49 is provided at the lower end with end plates 59 welded or otherwise secured to a U-shaped supporting bracket 5| mounted in inverted relation on transverse beam 5 in the manner shown in Fig. 4.

Columns 49 will be arranged to extend in alignment with columns 1 and thereby provide a rigid support for the central portion of the roof of the building. The ends of I-beam 48 are supported by additional columns 49 as shown in Fig. 3.

Roof rafters 41, according to the invention, are preferably constructed'of sheet metal using a pair of sheet metal channel members 52 formed in opposite relation and having their central portions arranged in spaced parallel relation and separated by spacer members 53 engaged about Each of these members are of channel shape and have channels opening in opposite directions as illustrated, with the free edges of the channels provided with inwardly extending flanges 54.

The spacealong the top plate 25 between roof rafters 41 at opposite sides of the building is closed by flller plates 55 formed of sheet metal of channel shape in cross section. The central portion of the channel members forming flller plates 55, is disposed vertically and outwardly along the outside of side frames 3 as shown and is formed at .spaced intervals with a plurality of tongues 56 to which the wire mesh is secured.

' These filler plates 55 will be welded or otherceiling bars are supported with the lower edges in the plane of the lower faces of roof rafters 41."

These bars may be suitably secured in placeby welding, or anyother suitable means, if desired,.

and areused for supporting the ceiling of the building.

Suitable roofing slabs 60 are mounted onthe.

upper faces of roof rafters 41, in the manner illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, to provide the roof structure for the building. These roofing slabs are constructed so the joints between thejends of adjacent slabs will register with the spaces between channel members 52 of roof'rafter 41 in order that anchor members 6| may be en-' gaged with the ends of roofing slabs 60 and extend therebetween, downwardly through the space between channel members 52 of adjacent roof rafter 51, so the lower ends of the anchor members 6| may be anchored to roof rafter 4? The roofing along the bottom face thereof. slabs illustrated and described are of conventional form available in the open market and after being mounted on the roof rafters, as shown, have their joints suitably cemented to provide a non-leakable roof. These roofing slabs.

provide the foundation for the roof which is then covered with any suitable form of commercial roof covering. The roof covering will be finished in anysuitable conventional manner with flashing around the edges of the roof and around any chimney or other projection through the roof.

The outer Walls of the building above side frames 3 may be extended upwardly by constructing a parapet 62 around the top of the "building. 1

A brick parapet structure may be constructed as generally indicated in Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawings, with a suitable cap plate 63 on the top. The

construction of a parapet of this character'fre-' quently aids in enhancing the design and appearance of a house constructed with a metal frame and also helps to conceal the roof. The parapetdisclosed is illustrated merely'for the purposejof showing how conventional architectural means may be supplied in connection with the framing structure in the construction of a completed building utilizing the present invention.

With the building frame constructed and as-' sembled as above described and the roof and par-f apet structure applied, it will be understood that the framing of the building is substantially completed and ready to receive the wall covering. It

is desired to provide efiicient insulation; against 5 loss of'heat with this building structure,-and for I this purpose the side frames between the outer and'inner-horizontal bars l5 including the in terior of columns l4 will'be filled with a suitable fibrous insulating material of suitable form now. well known in the art, such as that'known by the The space above ceiling I erally-indicated at 64 in Figs. 6 and 7. This insulating sheet material is indicated in Figs. 5, 6 and '7 at 65. It may be any suitable form of sheet insulating material well known-inthe-art. It will extend around the corners of the building in the manner shown in Fig. 6 to be secured to the corner filler plate 23 by attachment to projections 24 thereof. On the outside of insulating sheet covering 65 willthen be mounted a suitable conventional metal mesh orlath 66, also secured to clips 64 and arranged in spaced relation beyond the surface of insulating sheet material 65. A plastic outer wall covering will then be applied to metal mesh 66 to form the outer side wall of the building indicated in cross section by numeral 6'! in Figs. 5, 6 and 7. Any suitable form of plastic wall covering material may be used which is now well known in the art. This plastic coating will engage in the keying grooves around the window and door casings in the manner illustrated in Fig. 5 and by this construction the plastic coat ing will bev firmly held in position around both window and door casings. It will be understood that metal mesh 66 will extend upwardly above the side frames 3 on the outside of'the building so as to be engaged on projections 56 of filler plates 55 and then extended on above these filler plates beyond theends'of roof slabs 60 and up along the outer face of parapet 62 to which it is secured by nailing or other suitable means-wel After the outer wall of the building is com-- pleted and the electrical wiring, plumbing and other structures to be mounted in the partitions and wall structure of'the building are in place, the inner walls are then completed at the usual time and in the manner that will now be described.

When the building has been completed to the -point that the inner wall plaster is ready for application, brackets 64 will be applied to'bars l5 along the inner faces of side frames 3, and an inner insulating covering for the inner face of side frames 3 will then be applied over these brackets as shown at 68 in Figs. 5, 6 and 7.

Sheet insulating material having a metal foil coating on the outer face will preferably be used and disposed adjacent side frames 3, the foil being indicated in the drawings by the numeral 69. Metal mesh 66 will then be applied on the inner ends of clips 64, on the inner side of the insulating sheet material 68in spaced relation thereto, in order to receive the inner plaster wall of usual conventional form designated in cross section in Figs. 5,6 and '7 by numeral 10.

This will provide the inside wall finish on the side frames of the building with the plaster abutting fianges 35 of window casings 29, and 44 of door casings 39. It

.is believed that the manner in which this plaster covering on the ceiling of the building and secured to clips 64 carried by the ceiling bars so as to receive and support the plaster ceiling applied at the same time as the plaster is .put upon the side walls. The building is then completed in the usual and well known manner common in architecture of the building.

' said columns, engaged in said slots and rigidly secured to said columns to form a rigid frame for supporting the inner and outer wall surface outer'andinner wall coveringsfifl and 'Ill' to side 1 frames 3, except to a minor extent that may occur through the medium of clips 64. This re-' duces heat conduction between thejinner'and outer walls to a minimum and with the insulation provided in the side frame between the wall coverings, the building will beeificiently I insulated so that it may be economically heated in winter and also keep the interior cool in summer. The building is fireproof throughout.-

Instead of the fiat'roof structure above def scribed,a hip roof or other, style of roof 'may' be used by adding additional metalbeam structure in a manner clear to one skilled in the art.

By the ribbed construction cf columns "[4 it will be understood that asubstantially rigid onepiece column construction is provided that carries the entire weight of the building and dis tributes it to the foundation; flh'e top and'bottom plates and:2 6 distribute the weight applied thereto directly through'jthe columns to the foundation, while bars l5 carried by columns l4 support both the inner and outer side walls and transmit the weight thereof topolumns 14,

The side frame structure including columns l4 and horizontal bars IS with the window structure described, can bereadily fabricated irrthe shop and whenmade in standard sizes and, de-

structures on said horizontal members, and top and bottom plates permanently attached to the ends of said columns.

4. A wall frame, comprising a plurality of spaced parallel tubular vertical columns, each formed on the inner and outer edge portions with a plurality of spaced parallel slots extending laterally of the'column axis, the slots in the columns, a plurality of horizontal members signs, it facilitates the construction ,of metal frames for buildings at low cost that maybe transmitted to the desired, place, and assembled in a short spaceof time with a minimum of labor, thereby proyiding a metal building frame hat wi upp y atr eid and lasting bui din structure that is economical to make. a The invention claimed is: V I .s r

1, A building structure, comprising an integral wall frame for each side, meansjoining the ends of ad a s e oyi r n sem ed Sid frame structure, each sideframe having a ph ralityof spaced parallel vertical tubular colmounted on both the inner and outer sides of said columns, engaged in said slots and rigidly secured'to said columns to form a rigid frame for supporting the inner and outer wall surface structures on said horizontal members, a U- shapedbottom plate rigidly secured to the lower ends, of said columns with the extremities of the columns received in'the channel of said bottom plate,and a Z-bar rigidly mounted on the upper ends of said columns to form a top plate.

5. A wall frame, comprising a plurality of spaced parallel tubular vertical columns, each column being formedof sheet metal having ribs extending towardthe outer and inner sides of said frame formed with a plurality of transverse horizontal slots aligned with corresponding slots of other columns, and a plurality of horizontally spaced parallel angle bars mounted alongopposite sides of said columns with portions engaged in aligned slots and rigidly secured to said coltudinally extending intermediate portions formed Said c u n hav n a p u a ty of iizontally aligned slots on the inner. and outer.

sides thereof, top and bottom plates mounted on opposite ends of [said columns, and a plurality .7 of horizontal members rigidly attached in spaced parallel relation maligned slots on both sides";

of said columns for supporting, the inner and outer wall covering. 7 r u 2. A wall frame, comprisingia pluralitypuf spaced parallel vertical tubular columns, formed with a plurality of horizontally, aligned slots on the inner and outer sections thereof, and-a plu rality of angle bars extendingvfrom end to end of said frame on both sides of said columns in spaced horizontal relation with one flange of each bar engaged in an aligned slot of each column and rigidly secured,, therein, said bars and columns forming a rigid side wall frame unitf structure for mounting the inner and outer walls on the other flange of said horizontal bars "on a plurality of spaced parallel slots extending laterally of the column-axis, the slots in the corinto U-shaped ribs directed outwardly in opposite directions at the outer and inner sides of said frame, said 'ribs having transverse slots formed therein at spaced intervals between the ends of said columns, the slots in each column being horizontally aligned, and'a plurality of spaced horizontalangle bars mounted on each" side of said columns with one flange of each bar engaged in one row of aligned slots in said columns and rigidly securedjto saidcolumns at the intersection thereof with the columns, said horizontal bars forming-inner and outer furring" means for'supporting the inner and outer wall coverings and transmitting the I load to" said columns. t

'7. A unitary wall frame, comprisinga plurality into oppositely extending U-shaped ribs directly outwardly at the inner and outer sides of said frame, said ribs having transverse slots formed therein at spacedintervals between the ends of saidycolumns, the slots 'in each celumn being horizontally alignedfa plurality of Spaced horizontal angle bars mounted on each side of said' columns with one flange of each bar engaged in one row of aligned slots in said columns and rigidly secured therein, a, bottom plate permanently mounted on the lower extremities of said columns for supporting said frame, and a Z-bar permanently mounted on the upper extremities of said columns for receiving and supporting upper portions of a building, said horizontal bars forming inner and outer furring means for supporting the inner and outer wall surface covering layers, while said columns and plates receive and distribute the load in cooperating with said bars.

8. A unitary wall frame, comprising a plurality of spaced parallel vertical tubular columns formed of sheet metal and having ribs extending toward the outer and inner sides of said frame formed with a plurality of transverse slots at spaced intervals between the ends, end columns of the frame having another rib projecting outwardly on the end of the frame, attaching brackets permanently mounted on said last-mentioned rib of each end column for attachment to corresponding complementary brackets on an adjacent end'of another wall frame for attaching two wall frames in assembled relation, bearing plates on the upper and lower ends of said columns, and a plurality of angle bars mounted on both sides of said columns with a flange of each bar engaged in aligned slots of said columns and permanently secured therein, said bars forming a furring on the outer and inner sides of said. frame for supporting the covering structure.

9. A unitary wall frame, comprising a plurality of spaced parallel vertical tubular columns formed of sheet metal and having a plurality of transverse slots at spaced intervals between the ends, a plurality of angle bars mounted on both sides of said columns with a flange of each bar engaged in aligned slots of said columns and permanently secured therein, said frame having a window opening bounded by a pair of adjacent columns at opposite sides and a pair of angle bars at the top and bottom, and a window frame having side members formed of U-shaped sheet metal strips each embracing one of said pair of adjacent columns, the edges of said strips extending outwardly over opposite sides of said adjacent columns and adjacent portions of said angle bars and permanently attached thereto, and upper and lower U-shaped window frame strips secured at the ends to said side members to form said window frame, the edges 'of said upper and lower window frame strips being permanently secured to adjacent angle bars.

10. A unitary wall frame, comprising a plurality of spaced parallel tubular vertical columns formed of sheet metal and having plurality of transverse slots at spaced intervals between the ends, a plurality of angle bars mounted on both sides of said columns with a flange of each bar engaged in aligned slots of said columns and permanently secured therein, said frame having a window opening therein bounded by a pair of adjacent columns at opposite sides and a pair of angle bars at the top and bottom, and a window frame having side, top and bottom members permanently secured together and mounted in said opening, said frame having each of said members formed of sheet metal strips of U-shape in cross section arranged with the central portion extending laterally to said frame through the window opening and the side portions extending over adjacent portions of said frame on the inner and outer faces thereof in spaced parallel relation to said angle bars, the free edges of said strips on the outer side of said frame being formed to provide inwardly extending flanges at an acute angle directed toward the window opening and terminating in flanges engaged with the outer faces of said angle bars to which they are permanently secured, said last-mentioned flanges around said window frame forming a keying groove for receiving and retaining the wall covering mounted on said angle bars around said window frame.

11. A unitary wall frame, comprising a plurality of spaced parallel tubular vertical columns formed of sheet metal and having a plurality of transverse slots at spaced intervals between the ends, a plurality of angle bars mounted on both sides of said columns with a flange of each bar engaged in aligned slots of said columns and permanently secured therein, top and bottom plate members mounted on the upper and lower ends ofsaid columns, said frame having a door opening therein bounded by a pair of adjacent columns at opposite sides, angle bars at the top and said bottom plate at the lower end, and a door frame mounted in said door opening having sheet metal side and top framing members each formed into U-shape in cross section with a central portion extending transversely to the side portions and said wall frames through said door opening and formed with an offset at one side to provide a door jamb, the side portion of said framing members extending over opposite sides of said wall frame adjacent said door opening and having marginal portions engaging said angle bars and rigidly secured thereto.

12. A unitary wall frame, comprising a plurality of spaced parallel tubular vertical columns formed of sheet metal and having a plurality of transverse slots at spaced intervals between the ends, a plurality of angle bars mounted on both sides of said columns with a flange of each bar engaged in aligned slots of said columns and permanently secured therein, said frame having a window opening therein bounded by a pair of adjacent columns at opposite sides and a pair of angle bars at the top and bottom, and a window frame having side, top and bottom members permanently secured together and mounted in said opening, said frame having each of said members formed of sheet metal strips of U-shape in cross section arranged with the central portion extending laterally to said frame through the window opening and formed with an inwardly directed rib to provide a window mounting portion, the side portions extending over adjacent portions of said frame on the inner and outer faces thereof and rigidly secured along the marginal portions to said angle bars.

13. A building frame structure, comprising a pair of metallic side frames, each having a plurality of spaced parallel tubular vertical columns formed of sheet metal and having a plurality of transverse slots at spaced intervals between the ends, a plurality of angle bars mounted on both sides of said columns with a flange of each bar engaged in aligned slots of said columns and permanently secured therein, attaching brackets on end-columns of each side frame, the brackets on adjacent ends of adjacent side frames extending beyond the ends of said frames and engaging one another, means securing said brackets together to secure adjacent side frames in assembled relation with adjacent ends slightly spaced apart, and a filler plate extending between adjacent ends of said side irames and secured thereto, extending between the upper and lower extremities of said frames, and cooperating with said angle bars to provide furring means supporting the outer wall covering.

14. A building having a-;wall structure, comprising a rigid metallic frame having a plurality of spaced parallel tubular vertical columns formed of sheet metal andhaving a plurality of transverse slots at spaced intervals between the ends, a plurality of angle bars mounted on both sides of said columns with a flange of each bar engaged in aligned slots of said columns and permanently secured therein and providing furring means on both sides of said frame, a layer of insulating sheet material on the outside of said outer furring means, metal mesh spaced outwardlyfrom said insulating sheet" material, supporting means mounted on said angle bars at spaced intervals engaging and supporting said insulating sheet material and saidmesh, a plastic wall covering mounted on said mesh forming an outer wall face; an insulating sheathing material on the inside of said inner furring means having a metal foil coating on the face adjacent said frame, a metal mesh spaced inwardly from said insulating sheathing, supporting means mounted on the angle bars at the inner side of said frame at spaced intervals engaged with and supporting said sheathing and mesh, and a plastic inner wall covering mounted on said mesh.

15. A building having a, wall structure, comprising a rigid metallic frame having a plurality of spaced parallel tubular vertical columns,

formed of sheet metal and having a plurality of transverse slots at spaced intervals between the ends, a plurality of angle bars mounted on both sidesof said columns with a flange of each bar engaged in aligned slots of said columns and permanently secured therein to form said rigid frame, said angle bars providing furring means on both sides of said frame, outer and inner sheet material insulation covering said frame adjacent said angle bars, metal mesh over both sides of said frame outside and inside of said insulating covering, means securing said mesh in spaced relation to said insulating covering, engaging said covering and mesh at spaced intervals and mount-' ed on said angle bars for supporting said covering and mesh on said bars, and plastic material mounted on said mesh on both sides of said frame forming inner and outer wall surfaces thereon.

WILLIAM J. MCDERMOTT. 

